More times than not, I look at a frozen dessert label that claims it is “Super Premium” and then I look at the product’s ingredient statement and think, “What? I don’t think so.”

You may think that a “standard” term next to a product’s name is for just marketing purposes, but in some cases (such as in the dairy industry) the identity terms are actually legal identities.

“Why?” you ask.

It is because the USDA believes you should know what is under the lid and in your food. In 1990 the “NLEA” or Nutritional Labeling Act was signed into law so that you, the customer, can better understand what you are purchasing.

Whether you’re a consumer or someone who is thinking about producing your own private label ice cream or dairy product, it is in your best interest to understand why a product is called “Dairy Queen” instead of “Ice Cream Queen” or what makes sherbet different from sorbet.

Simply stated, the product name/classification is determined by how these products are frozen, flavored and sharing the freezer case.

Here is a great article on the subject, posted on the International Dairy Food Association “IDFA” site which explains the subject in further detail.

Are you trying to develop your own frozen dairy product or private label ice cream?

Contact Darryl today. As your ice cream consultant, he’ll help you navigate the process  and sidestep the numerous pitfalls you’ll encounter along the way.

Darryl David
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